You’ve signed all the paperwork, paid your closing costs, and finally got the keys to your new home. At this stage of the process, you’re likely ready to start decorating your place and begin laying down some roots. In the midst of all the excitement, these six tasks are easy to forget but necessary to prioritize. Luckily, we’ve got you covered and have compiled a list of six important things to do before moving into your new home.

1) Store your mortgage documents in a secure location

Even though we are in the age of ever-evolving technology, always keep additional hard copies of important documents, like your mortgage documents. This way, if you delete files on your computer or something didn’t get backed up, you have an extra copy on file. Get yourself a safe or security lockbox where you can store all of your sensitive documents. It’s also important that you don’t keep this box in plain sight. Find a hidden area to keep the box, but not so hidden you can’t find it.

2) Change your locks and update security codes

Even if you’re moving into a newly constructed home, you and your family must be the only individuals who will have access to your home’s security system. Update any door handles on doors that have access to the outdoors, including garage doors into the home. Additionally, pick a new security code for the security system. If your home didn’t come with a security system, it might be wise to install one.

3) Connect all of your utilities

Ensure that you have all of your major utilities set up, such as water, electricity, gas, cable, and Internet. It’s important to contact each provider immediately and set up an appointment if in-home installation is needed.

4) Get the home professionally cleaned.

If you’re moving into a home that has been lived in before, you’ll want to make it as clean as possible. It may look clean on the surface, but dust, allergens, and other particles can be leftover in carpets and walls. Get your carpets steamed and hiring a professional cleaning company to deep-clean before you move in.

5) Change your address with USPS and other important institutions.

Be sure to change your address with the postal service so you can receive your mail and bills at the correct address. Also, don’t forget to update your information with your financial institutions, credit card providers, and any other important entities. Finally, let your friends and family know about your new address as well.

6) Set up an emergency fund.

If you don’t have one already, an emergency fund can help you avoid going into debt if the unexpected happens. Unlike renting a property, as a homeowner, you hold the responsibility to fix anything that breaks or any damage in the home. Having extra funds in an account can help cover costly items. You should have at least $1,000 in your emergency fund. Don’t have $1,000 right now? That’s okay — saving a little at a time is better than none at all, even if it’s only $5 or $10 here and there.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home is an exciting milestone in your life. While you may want to focus on the fun aspects such as furniture shopping or picking out a new paint color for the kitchen, it’s important not to overlook the fundamentals — the safety, security, and maintenance considerations that need to be your top priorities after buying a house.

As always, we’re here to answer any questions you have and help guide you through the process. Give us a call or start your application today

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